Candy display frame



July 25, 1967 J. WAGENHEIM CANDY DISPLAY FRAME 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 26, 1964 m R E E me m H P E S 0 J O 5 M M v July 25, 1967 J. WAGENHEIM CANDY DISPLAY FRAME 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 26, 1964 INVENTOR.

JOSEPH WAGENHEIM ATTORNEYS.

July 25, 1967 J. WAGENHEIM CANDY DISPLAY FRAME- 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 26, 1964 INVENTOR.

JOSEPH WAGENH El M WVATTIORMEYSl United States Patent 3,332,787 CANDY DISPLAY FRAME Joseph Wagenheim, Ventnor City, N..l., assignor to Samuel E. Brenner, Linwood, NJ.

Filed June 26, 1964, Ser. No. 378,238 23 Claims. (Cl. 99180) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A display frame comprising a U-shaped slotted channel This invention relates to a candy display frame, and more particularly, to a frame which is used for holding and ornamentally displaying a large number of wrapped pieces of candy.

It is the current practice in the confection art to display candy which is to be sold in highly attractive ornamental boxes. In some instances, individual pieces of candy are removed from the display boxes and in others the entire box of candy is sold. There has recently been developed an art of forming a large number of pieces of candy into a wreath composed essentially of the candy. Thus wrapped candies are aligned and wired together and the wires are in turn formed into a circular shape to form a wreath. Although the wreath is highly attractive, it requires an extensive amount of time by skilled workers in order to wire the candy together and form the subsequent wreath. This high labor cost is in turn reflected in the final price of the product.

The frame of this invention is adapted to the display and packaging of large amounts of candy in various orna- "ice frame of this invention with the candy secured in place;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the top member of the frame of this invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a section of the member of FIG. 2, and taken in the area 3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bottom member of the frame of this invention;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a section of the member of FIG. 5, and taken in the area 6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a section of the outside of the frame member of FIG. 5, and taken in the direction of line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elev-ational view of a section of the inside of the frame member of FIG. 5, and taken in the direction of line 9--9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 1010 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 6 and includes a phantom sectional view of the top member positioned above the bottom member;

FIG. 12 is an exploded sectional view showingthe asi sembly of the display frame of this invention with themental shapes. Thus the candy can be placed on a frame in the shape of a wreath. However, the candy wreath of this invention can easily be made and does not require any particular skills or training. Additionally, the entire candy wreath can be made in a matter of minutes. Instead of using a wreath shape, the frame can be made of any other ornamental shape such as a star or heart.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a novel candy display frame.

It is another object of this invention to provide a frame having features which can be incorporated into any of numerous ornamental shapes.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a frame for holding candy in which the candy is easily placed.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a candy display frame which can be sold in its entirety orwhich can be used for supplying any number of individual pieces of candy to be sold.

These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by providing a frame having a first member and a second member, said first member comprising a U channel having a pair of vertical legs and an integral bridging section, at least one of said legs having a .plurality of slots cut therein, and said second member being adapted to be inserted within said U channel.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the candy display candy in place;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 1313 of FIG. 1 and shows the members of FIG. 12 in their finally assembled form; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modified form of the candy display frame of this invention.

Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawings wherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts, a candy display frame embodying the present invention is generally shown at 20 in FIG. 1. Device 20 basically comprises a bottom frame member 22 (FIG. 5) and a top frame member 24 (FIG. 2).

As seen in FIGS. 7, 10 and 11, bottom frame member 22 is basically U-shaped and includes outer vertical leg 26, inner vertical leg 28, and bridging section 30 which is lowermost. Outer vertical leg 26 is provided with a plurality of substantially V-shaped slots 32. These slots are equally spaced and extend downwardly from the upper edge of leg 26. Inner leg 28 is also provided with a plurality of substantially V-shaped slots 34. These slots are also equally spaced and extend downwardly from the top edge of leg 28. As seen in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, slots 34 are more widely spaced than slots 32, and thus slots 32 and 34 are generally staggered with respect to horizontal alignment, as best seen in FIG. 6. The purpose of this spacing will be explained hereinafter.

Wall 26 is provided with a plurality of integral lips 36 (FIG. 5) which extend inwardly with respect to the channel forming bottom member 22. Likewise, wall 28 is also provided with a plurality of inwardly extending lips 38. Wall 26 is also provided with a nib 40 (FIG. 11) which extends through the entire height of the wall. Nib 40 is positioned in the top central portion of frame member 22. As seen in FIG. 5, no slots 32 or 34 are formed in this top central portion.

Top frame member 24 is substantially fiat and is of the same shape as bottom frame member 22. The width of the top frame member is slightly less than the width of the channel forming member 22. Thus the top frame member is easily received in the bottom frame channel, as will be explained hereinafter. The outer edge of frame member 24 is provided with a plurality of equally spaced slots 42 projecting inwardly therefrom. As best seen in FIG. 3, each slot 42 is basically V-shaped, but includes Patented July 25, 1967 an enlarged circular opening 44 at the base of the V. As with bottom frame member 22, the top central portion of top frame member 24 contains no slots (FIG. 2). However, a semi-circular recess 46 is formed in the top central portion of frame member 24. This slot corresponds in size, shape and position to nib 40 in bottom frame member 22.

A circular rib 48 extends around the entire undersurface of frame member 24. As seen in FIG. 4, rib 48 is integral with the remainder of the frame member and is spaced inwardly of slots 42. The purpose of the rib is to provide reinforcement for member 24.

The method of using the frame of this invention for the packaging of candy is best shown in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12 it is seen that the candy 50 used with the frame of this invention is provided with a cellophane or paper wrapping. Both ends of the wrapping are twisted to form a neck 52 leaving a flared end 54. This is a conventional method of wrapping candy. The necks 52 of the candy wrappers are inserted in slots 32 and 34 of bottom frame member 22. Thus there will be one piece of candy in every slot of the bottom frame member. Likewise, the necks of candy wrappers 50 are inserted in slots 42 in upper frame member 24. Again, there will be one piece of candy for each slot. In the upper frame member, the necks are ultimately engaged in the enlarged circular openings 44. As seen in FIG. 12, the candy in the bottom frame member projects horizontally from the frame and the candy in the upper frame member projects vertically upward.

After all of the slots have been filled with candy, upper frame member 24 is inserted into lower frame member 22 in the direction of arrow 56 in FIG. 12. The width of the upper frame is less than the width of the channel formed by the lower frame member, but greater than the width formed by the effective lateral distance between opposing lips 36 and 38. Therefore, in order to aid in the insertion of the upper frame member into the channel of the lower frame member, the top edges 58 and 60 of lips 36 and 38, respectively, (FIGS. 7 and are bevelled. Thus as the top member is forced against the top edges of the lips, these edges will serve as a camming surface, thereby forcing walls 26 and 28 outwardly. Lips 36 and 38 are also staggered, as seen in FIG. 5, to permit easier insertion of the top member. Once the top frame member has passed lips 36 and 38, the Walls will return to their vertical orientation and the top member will be prevented from inadvertently being removed from the channel by the inwardly projecting lips. This position is best seen in FIG. 13. In order to properly align the top frame member with the bottom frame member during the insertion, nib 40 of the bottom frame member is first engaged in recess 46 of the top frame member (FIG. 11). This, in turn, will automatically align the remainder of the top frame member with the bottom frame member.

The assembled condition of the candy within the frame is best seen in FIG. 13. There it is seen that top frame member 24 is secured within bottom frame member 22 by lips 36 and 38. The top frame member is resiliently held in place by the flared ends 54 of the candy wrappe fs within the channel formed by bottom frame member 22 bearing against the bottom of the top frame member. The candy mounted in slots 32 and 34 of the bottom frame member cannot be vertically lifted out of the slots since the flared ends 54 are forced vertically downward by upper frame member 24. Likewise the flared ends 54, which are wider than slots 32 and 34, prevent the candy from being inadvertently removed horizontally from the bottom frame member. The candy mounted in top frame member 24 cannot be removed horizontally from its slot since wall 26 of the bottom frame member prevents this removal. As an additional protection, enlarged opening 44 (FIG. 3) which comprises a substantially closed chamber is provided in the top frame member. Thus once the neck of the candy wrapper has been forced into this opening, the flared end 54 of the candy wrapper prevents the inadvertent removal of the candy. Additionally, opening 44 retains the candy in place in the upper frame member prior to insertion into the bottom frame member.

The purpose of the staggered slots 32 and 34 (FIGS. 6, 8 and 9) is to obtain the proper fit of the flared candy ends within the frame. Thus if the slots were not staggered, the flared ends would have to be positioned on top of each other, thereby substantially increasing the height of the frame. By having the staggered slots, the flared ends can be arranged in a side-by-side relationship. Additionally, the wider spacing of the slots on the inner wall 28 is necessitated by the fact that fewer pieces of candy can project inwardly of the frame than outwardly because of lack of space inwardly.

As previously pointed out, slots 42 are positioned solely on one side of top frame member 24. The purpose of this is to insure proper strength and rigidity for the top frame member. Thus if slots were positioned on both sides of the top frame member there would be a resultant loss in structural strength of the member. By having the slots on one side of the top frame member and continuous rib 48 on the bottom of the other side, the strength of this member is substantially increased.

The completely assembled frame with the candy in place is shown in FIG. 1. There it is seen that no candy is positioned at the top of the frame member, which is also devoid of slots (FIGS. 2 and 5 Instead of having candy at this position, a decorative feature such as a bow 62 can be used. Alternatively, if the filled candy frame is to be used as a Christmas decoration, small electric lights can be added to the frame at the top central portion. When ornamentation of this nature is not desired, slots can be provided around the entire circumference of the frame and the candy would extend around the entire circumference.

A preferred use of the candy frame of this invention is to sell it as a complete unit. Thus a customer would purchase the frame and all of the candy associated therewith. However, if desired, a merchant can also sell individual pieces of candy from the frame. Thus When it is desired to remove a single piece of candy this can be accomplished by pulling any of the horizontally mounted candy horizontally outward or any of the vertically mounted candy vertically upward. Thus the flared ends 54 have suflicient strength to prevent the inadvertent removal or falling out of the candy, "but are sufliciently compressible to permit the intentional pulling out of the candy without destroying the frame. This pulling feature can also be used for removing candy when the entire frame is purchased. After all of the candy has been removed, the top frame member 64 can be pried out of the bottom frame member and the two frame members can be refilled and reassembled.

The frame members of this invention can be made of any rigid resilient material. A preferred material is a transparent plastic such as polystyrene. Any of the other Well known rigid, moldable plastics can be used such as polymethylmethacrylate or polyethylene. Where cost is not a factor, the frame of this invention can also be made of metal such as brushed aluminum.

Although the invention has been specifically described with respect to a circular frame, the teachings of this invent-ion can be adapted to substantially any shape. Thus as seen in FIG. 14, the frame could also be easily made into the heart shape generally shown at 64. Other shapes that could be used are stars, rectangles, triangles, and clover leaves. In fact, any shape which is adapted to being formed into a U channel can be used.

Although candy has been disclosed as being particularly adapted for use with the frame of this invention, it is to be understood that any other confection could be used. Additionally, the frame may also find utility for use in forming floral wreaths. Thus the stems of flowers could be mounted in the slots of the frame and the frame assembled in the same manner as described above.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed as the invention is:

1. A frame having a first member and a second member, said first member comprising a U-channel having a pair of vertical legs and an integral bridging section, at least one of said legs having a plurality of vertically extending slots cut therein, said second member comprising a substantially flat strip with a plurality of slots cut in said strip, said slots extending inwardly from one edge of said strip, said second member being adapted to be inserted within said first member, whereby said slots in said first member and said slots in said second member will lie in planes which are substantially perpendicular to each other.

2. The frame of claim 1 wherein both of said legs have a plurality of slots cut therein.

3. The frame of claim 1 wherein said slots extend downwardly from the top of said leg.

4. The frame of claim 2 wherein the slots in one of said legs are out of alignment with the slots in the other of said legs.

5. The frame of claim 1 wherein said U-channel is a continuous channel and means are provided for aligning said second member with said first member when said second member is inserted into said first member.

6. The frame of claim 5 wherein said alignment means comprises a vertically extending nib On one of said legs of said first member and a recess in said second member, said recess being engageable by said nib.

7. The frame of claim 1 wherein said second member additionally includes a reinforcing rib thereon.

8. The frame of claim 1 and further including means on said first member for maintaining said second member within said channel.

means comprises a plurality of lips extending inwardly into said channel from said vertical legs.

10. The frame of claim 9 wherein said lips have bevelled top surfaces to aid in the insertion of said second member into said first member.

11. A confectionery package comprising a display frame and wrapped candy mounted thereon, said candy wrapping comprising sheet material which is twisted at the ends to form a neck and :a flared end, said frame including a firstmember and a second member, said first member comprising a U-channel having a pair of vertical legs and an integral bridging section, at least one of said legs having a plurality of slots cut therein, said candy being mounted in said slots by engaging one of said necks 4O 9. The frame of claim 8 wherein said maintaining in one of said slots, with the flared end of the wrapping projecting into said channel, and the remainder of said candy and wrapping projecting exteriorly of said channel, and said second member being positioned within said channel and overlying said candy wrapping, whereby said candy is supported solely by said wrapping.

12. The package of claim 11 wherein both of said legs have a plurality of slots cut therein, with candy being supported by both of said legs with the necks of said candy being received in the slots of said legs.

13. The package of claim 12 wherein the slots in one of said legs are out of alignment with the slots in the other of said legs whereby the flared ends of said candy wrappings are adapted to bypass each other within said channel.

14. The package of claim 11 and further including means for securing said second member within said first member.

15. The package of claim 14 wherein said securing means comprises a plurality of lips projecting from said legs into said channel.

16. The package of claim 15 wherein said lips are staggered along said legs.

17. The package of claim 11 wherein said second member also includes a plurality of slots cut therein with wrapped candy being engaged within said slots.

18. The package of claim 17 wherein said slots in said second member are substantially V-shaped, with an en larged opening at the base of the V, with said candy wrapper being engaged within said enlarged opening.

19. The package of claim 11 wherein said second member is substantially flat and includes reinforcing means.

20. The package of claim 19 wherein said reinforcing means comprises a rib.

21. The package of claim 11 wherein said U-channel is continuous and said second member comprises a continuous surface.

22. The package of claim 21 wherein said U-channel and said second member are circular.

23. The package of claim 21 wherein said U-channel and said second member are heart shaped.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,201,047 10/ 1916 Hollingshead 0 206- 1,511,780 10/1924 Smith 16l-3l 1,946,285 2/1934 Judge 20665 2,855,648 10/1958 Iansson 24-81 2,950,849 8/1960 Ortleb 2298 3,048,268 8/ 1962 Rocchi et al. 20665 THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner.

WILLIAM T. DIXSON, IR., Examiner. 

11. A CONFECTIONERY PACKAGE COMPRISING A DISPLAY FRAME AND WRAPPED CANDY MOUNTED THEREON, SAID CANDY WRAPPING COMPRISING SHEET MATERIAL WHICH IS TWISTED AT THE ENDS TO FORM A NECK AND A FLARED END, SAID FRAME INCLUDING A FIRST MEMBER AND A SECOND MEMBER, SAID FIRST MEMBER COMPRISING A U-CHANNEL HAVING A PAIR OF VERTICAL LEGS AND AN INTEGRAL BRIDGING SECTION, AT LEAST ONE OF SAID LEGS HAVING A PLURALITY OF SLOTS CUT THEREIN, SAID CANDY BEING MOUNTED IN SAID SLOTS BY ENGAGING ONE OF SAID NECKS IN ONE OF SAID SLOTS, WITH THE FLARED END OF THE WRAPPING PROJECTING INTO SAID CHANNEL, AND THE REMAINDER OF SAID CANDY AND WRAPPING PROJECTING EXTERIORLY OF SAID CHANNEL, AND SAID SECOND MEMBER BEING POSITIONED WITHIN SAID CHANNEL AND OVERLYING SAID CANDY WRAPPING, WHEREBY SAID CANDY IS SUPPORTED SOLELY BY SAID WRAPPING. 